Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much

This book is so well written and so relatable for children, as with all of the books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. Every child struggles with the lure of things- not just children!- and this book addresses their sinful desires with an understandable and gentle approach that will resonate in their hearts. The illustrations are warm and inviting and will capture your children’s imagination. There are also bible verses and a parent resource page in the back. I highly recommend this book for your family!

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Gus Loses His Grip is go-to counsel for parenting and helping young children to think through what has a hold on their hearts. The section in the back entitled “Helping Your Child with the ‘I Wantsies’” equips parents in dealing with the issue, and the Back Pocket Bible Verses will encourage the kids with this particular truth of Scripture. Whether it is a toddler asking for more food or a preschool and elementary child wanting more and more time playing games and watching videos, this book will helps kids see how problems can arise, namely that whatever it is that has a grip on the child rather than the child having a grip on it. If you are a parent who wants your young child to not be controlled by things but compelled by the love of Christ, then Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much edited by David Powlison is a good place to start.

I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.

Gus the raccoon finds himself craving sweets so much that he lies to his parents and even steals some candy, even though he doesn’t want to! But his papa eventually sits down with him and they talk about how Jesus can free him from addiction!

I’ve got to say, this book is so sweet! I have always had a soft spot for children’s books and I’m so very happy to have come across this series. More than just being honest and on the right level for kiddos in explaining the concept of addiction, it’s also a guide to parenting! At the end of the book, there’s a section that discusses how to handle a situation in grace when your kiddo is experiencing the “I wantsies” and I just really loved what the author had to say.

“…helping your children with the ‘I wantsies’ starts by acknowledging that you need help as much as they do.”

So this series is great if you don’t have time to read a full-blown parenting book! The nuggets of wisdom that the author includes at the end of these books, in easy step-by-step format, is sure to help! This book has scripture to read and the illustrations are adorable! It tells the Easter story of Jesus rising from the tomb and there are many conversations about grace and strength coming from Jesus.

Overall, I give Gus Loses His Grip 5 out of 5 stars and definitely want this whole series in hardback copies!

I will mention that there are illustrations of Easter baskets and Easter eggs. I only mention that because I know that some families would rather keep Easter about Jesus and omit the bunny & eggs __

This is another great children's book from New Growth Press that not only entertains but also teaches Godly principles. Gus Loses His Grip is the story of Gus the raccoon and his love for anything sweet. Candy, fruit, you name it..."Gus loved sweets. He loved everything sweet!" Soon, Gus finds himself hiding candy, lying, and eventually stealing to satisfy his sweet tooth. When Papa raccoon talks to Gus about letting his love of sweets cause him to do wrong, he soon realizes that he himself has been guilty of coveting fishing equipment and that this is very wrong also.

Children will love the colorful illustrations as they observe the raccoon family involved in the same daily activities as humans, such as fishing, Easter egg hunts, and picking berries. They will also learn that everyone is tempted by sin and that there are many different ways to sin, but forgiveness is always possible because of Jesus Christ.

This is a great book for children and adults to read together and there is also an added parent's guide in the back to help in further discussion. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from New Growth Press but I wasn't required to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.

This children’s book is for those times “when you want something too much.” For Gus, the temptation comes in the form of sweets. Many of us can related to that, right?

In this story, Gus struggles with moderation. He hides candy in his room, gobbles up his Easter candy, and steals candy from the local store.

Young readers might need help understanding the correlation between Gus’s temptations (candy), Mama’s temptations (sales), and Papa’s temptations (fishing lures). Be sure to read the parent guide at the back of the book to extend the discussion to suit your own family’s needs. For our family, at this point, it’s about video games, YouTube, and shoes!

I had a few issues with this story. His parents seemed largely unaware of the way Gus indulged. Young ones might be tempted to tuck candy under a pillow like Gus did, since it was never addressed in the book. Additionally, Gus did not receive a consequence after his parents caught him stealing from the store. He was forced to return the candy and offer an apology, but nothing beyond that. If my children had read this at the book’s marketed age (5-8 years), they would have been punished at home. At the very least, I wondered why the commandment against stealing wasn’t mentioned.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.

This storybook has a wonderful message that I think children as well as adults can relate too. How much is too much and when does it turn into greed? I think the message is a good one all year long, but maybe at Christmastime the most. (Though this book actually takes place right after Easter.)

Gus is a little raccoon who has quite a sweet tooth. So much so that it becomes almost like an addiction for him until he starts losing control of himself and does something that he would not normally do. What I liked was how his parents, especially his dad handled it. This was an eye opener for sure and a great lesson in contentment.

This is a really nice hardback book with the most adorable and creative illustrations. My son and I have been reading these books together, he is 9 but both he and I have been enjoying this series of little animals learning valuable lessons.

I received a copy of this storybook from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This would make an excellent book for story time, teaching, or counseling kids. This book teaches kids about the "I Wantsies" and how Jesus helps us in the struggle. Highly recommended. Full review coming soon.

What I love the most about Gus Loses His Grip by David Powlinson is that this is not a book that kids from ages 3-8 will love, but has a gospel-centered lesson that parents, counselors, and teachers can use to teach children. Just like Tori Comes Out of Her Shell, this book features an animal family – a family of raccoons. By the way, this is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series so you might spot Tori the Turtle and her family somewhere in the book!

Gus is addicted to candy so much that he finds himself stealing. The story comes alive through a conversation with his father who admits that he too buys too much fishing equipment that he doesn’t need. His father explains to his son that it’s okay to want something every now and then, but when we love something more than we love Jesus, then that is a sin. It was a cute, simple, and fun way to explain to a child that very topic. The book goes even further to talk about a little bit about Jesus and having a relationship with Him.

The illustrations will catch your child’s eye, drawing you immediately into the story. A talking guide you can use with your child that can be found at the back of the book. This book is far more than a story as this is one that will stay with your child long after the pages are closed. Just like how Gus and his dad have back pocket Bible verses, the book includes verses that are perforated to be torn out of the book that you can give your child to memorize and look at when they have the urge to want something more than they want Jesus Christ.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

This story of Gus and his uncontrolled desires or "wants" is illustrated with cute woodsy critters - the raccoons - and lovely scenes as they address the issue of Gus and his insatiable desires. The story is sweet (just like Gus' candy) and the family environment is strong. But soon, Gus resorts to taking what he wants instead of its being given to him or purchasing it. Eventually, his father discovers Gus' problem and handles it with love and teaches the child about repentance and forgiveness.

This story of Gus and his uncontrolled desires or "wants" is illustrated with cute woodsy critters - the raccoons - and lovely scenes as they address the issue of Gus and his insatiable desires.
The story is sweet (just like Gus' candy) and the family environment is strong. But soon, Gus resorts to taking what he wants instead of its being given to him or purchasing it. Eventually, his father discovers Gus' problem and handles it with love and teaches the child about repentance and forgiveness.
A sweet story and well done.

Gus Loses His Grip is another excellent book to be released by New Growth Press in the “Good News for Little Hearts” series. I have enjoyed every single one of these books, and so have my children. This volume is no different!

David Powlison is the editor of the book, with Joe Hox credited as the illustrator. The story is created by Jocelyn Flenders, a homeschooling mom, writer, and editor.

I love this book for many reasons, but the biggest reason is the Christ-centeredness of the content. All of these books in this series are based on the CCEF(Christian Counseling and Education Foundation) model of counseling, and it is seen clearly in the children’s story. The book engages children and helps them to understand the nature of temptation, and the hope and help that we have in Christ. After Gus gets caught stealing candy because of the deep desire to have it, his father teaches him a wonderful lesson while fishing: “You know, Gus, there’s nothing wrong with eating candy once in a while...But when we love something too much it gets a grip on us and we lose our grip on what is really important. We want something more than we love Jesus...The Great Book calls that sin.” The father goes on to explain that he too deals with temptation, but praise the Lord, our temptation is never too strong for Jesus! We can be helped by Jesus.

The story is excellent. It’s a wonderful way of teaching our little ones about the nature of temptation as well as the hope and help that Christ offers to us. The illustrations by Hox are excellent! Kids will love the pictures.

Another excellent addition to this volume is the section in the back called “Helping your Child with the ‘I Wantsies’”. This is another excellent tool for parents in helping their children to honor the Lord with their lives, specifically in regards to temptation.

As in all of the other books in this series, back pocket Bible verses are included in the very back of the book for children to hang on to. They can carry them around with them, or commit them to memory.

I highly recommend this book! Parents and children will learn much from it.

Disclaimer: My thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was an excellent story about temptation and how even good things can become too important to us if we want them more than Jesus. I liked how the dad realized he was doing this, too, with his fishing lures just as Gus was with candy, though the dad didn't steal any! This was a good reminder for me and probably for everyone, young and old alike! There were fun illustrations of different animals dressed in clothes, at a market, etc., behaving as humans do. I liked how Gus asked forgiveness for stealing and the shop owner forgave him rather than just glossing over it. The gospel and sin is explained in a relatable way and there's an excellent resource in the back for helping your child with the "I Wantsies" as they call it. I highly recommend it!

I received this book from New Growth Press. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

GUS LOSES HIS GRIP is a cute children's story centered around a family of raccoons. Gus loves candy and sweets and he piggies it all down when no one is watching. He even steals candy! Gus is caught and he learns a lesson about moderation that his whole family had to learn. This story seems rather long for a toddler story and I'm not sure what the age recommendation is for it. It is cute, there is a fantastic faith message and parent/teacher guide. Since Easter baskets are mentioned it might make a good Easter gift for your favorite little one.

Gus Raccoon learns a lesson about the consequences of wanting something so much you'll steal to get it. "Gus Loses His Grip" by Jocelyn Flenders and edited by David Powlison teaches children with the "I wantsies" about greed.

As part of the "Good News for Little Hearts" series, "Gus Loses His Grip" applies biblical truth to the struggles and temptations kids often face in a materialistic world.  Illustrator Joe Hox provides wonderful pictures to go along with Flenders' story.

You will enjoy reading this story to your child and helping him or her grasp a hard truth about wants and needs. You might even learn something, too.  The book also includes tear-out Bible verses so kids can start memorizing Scripture.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This is one of the many books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. The books are intended for ages 3-8. All the books are Biblical Worldview and teach kids about Biblical principles.

Gus the raccoon has a sweet tooth and loves it way too much. He sneaks it in his bedroom and eventually runs out of his sweets. He then steals some at the store. His parents find out and Gus has to return his sweet loot. Gus apologizes for his actions. His father has a heart to heart with him about stealing. He continues with sin and how we all sin but, with God’s help we can overcome that sin.

I love that this series deals with everyday issues that kids face. The book is a good conversation starter for parent to have with their kids. I love that the story is from a Biblical Worldview.

The illustrations are adorable and have a lot of detail to keep little ones even more intrigued.

In the back of the book are scriptures cards and some tips for sharing with your kids. A Gospel-focused discussion guide is also included.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8

I received a free copy of this product

Honestly I really loved pretty much everything about this book. The first gem that I want to point out is that while the story tells of a little raccoon that has a problem with stealing candy the author chooses go one step further and not just talk about the surface issue of stealing but rather choose to dig deeper and disscuss the issue of temptation. They address the fact that we all struggle with temptation but God is with us and He can help us fight that temptation. The second thing I loved about it was the fact that it pointed out how the parents struggle too. Obviously mom and dad do not struggle with stealing from the store but they struggle with the desire for more and discontentment. The third and final thing I love is the really in depth discussion guide in the back. This book helps you discuss fighting temptation, how we are all sinners in need of God's grace, being thankful for what we have, being a good steward of What God has given us and so much more. I plan to read this over and over again with my kids as I have noticed something new each time I have read it.

Honestly I really loved pretty much everything about this book. The first gem that I want to point out is that while the story tells of a little raccoon that has a problem with stealing candy the author chooses go one step further and not just talk about the surface issue of stealing but rather choose to dig deeper and discuss the issue of temptation. They address the fact that we all struggle with temptation but God is with us and He can help us fight that temptation.

The second thing I loved about it was the fact that it pointed out how the parents struggle too. Obviously mom and dad do not struggle with stealing from the store but they struggle with the desire for more and discontentment.

The third and final thing I love is the really in depth discussion guide in the back. This book helps you discuss fighting temptation, how we are all sinners in need of God's grace, being thankful for what we have, being a good steward of What God has given us and so much more. I plan to read this over and over again with my kids as I have noticed something new each time I have read it.

My four-year-old enjoyed Gus Loses His Grip. I’m not sure if it was the love of candy, the naughty behavior, the colorful illustrations, or a combination of the three aspects, but this book was thoroughly entertaining for her.

Besides her enjoyment of this book, what I really appreciated about Gus Loses His Grip is its moral messages. There are the direct ones about it being wrong to steal and that we need help from Jesus when we struggle with temptation. But, there’s also an emphasis on honesty. Gus has a confessional conversation with his Papa, but then the Papa shares his own struggles and teaches that everyone, including grownups, needs help from Jesus. Being only four years old, I think my daughter was able to understand the moral messages of the story, but I’m not sure how deeply those messages sunk in. Fortunately, it’s a hardcover book and I expect it will hold up to her revisiting it over time.

My four-year-old enjoyed Gus Loses His Grip. I’m not sure if it was the love of candy, the naughty behavior, the colorful illustrations, or a combination of the three aspects, but this book was thoroughly entertaining for her. Besides her enjoyment of this book, what I really appreciated about Gus Loses His Grip is its moral messages. There are the direct ones about it being wrong to steal and that we need help from Jesus when we struggle with temptation. But, there’s also an emphasis on honesty. Gus has a confessional conversation with his Papa, but then the Papa shares his own struggles and teaches that everyone, including grownups, needs help from Jesus. Being only four years old, I think my daughter was able to understand the moral messages of the story, but I’m not sure how deeply those messages sunk in. Fortunately, it’s a hardcover book and I expect it will hold up to her revisiting it over time.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved most that even the parents had to learn the lesson as well of not always wanting more. I think this book can resonate with anyone. I liked how they described each family member in a way that it could be their struggle and how you should focus more on being content with the blessings you already have.

Good News for Little Hearts is a series of children's picture books from CCEF, that offer so much more than simply a moralistic message, but instead each story points to the Gospel and our need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Written to be read aloud to children ages 3-8, these books are great for starting discussion on dealing with life's challenges Scripturally, covering topics such as death, loneliness, and wanting something too much. In Gus Loses His Grip, Gus Raccoon has a deceptively sugary sweet addiction, but what happens when his desire takes over? This book talks about how there are many things that in small amounts are not harmful, and can even be good, but when we let those things have control over us it can crossover very quickly into sin. Good News for Little Hearts books deal with tough life challenges in a way that young children can understand, opening up moments for meaningful discipleship opportunities with the child in your life, with each story pointing to the Gospel. Each book includes perforated cardboard Scripture cards, and a Gospel-focused discussion guide. The illustrations are charming, and fun, with a fun engaging layout. Overall, I was completely blown away by the quality of these books for children, it sets a high standard, and honestly it's hard to find a book that is so well written on difficult topics, with young children in mind and a Christ-centered focus. These books strives for so much more than the moralistic fluff of other books out on the market, and I was very impressed. Great to share with the young people in your life, and designed to read aloud with your child. They would make a great gift for a baby shower, child's birthday, Christmas, Easter, or any occasion, also perfect for church libraries. Highly recommend!

Absolutely loved this book It has great lesson about being content with what God has given you and how to appreciate the wonderful gifts He's given, including the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.